The Sweet Shop has added director Brett Foraker to its roster of international talent. His work spans such brands as Toyota, Sony, Virgin Atlantic, Samsung and SyFy as well as recognition from competitions including Cannes Lions, Creative Circle, Clio and D&AD.
The Sweet Shop now handles Foraker globally except for the U.K. where he continues to be represented by RSA Films. Foraker was formerly repped by Disorderly Conduct in the U.S.
A native of California, Foraker began his career in the art world as a photographer and painter. After a series of successful gallery showings in his early 20’s, he moved to England where he took a job as a copywriter. While there, he focused his efforts on broadcast and quickly shot up the ranks to eventually become the youngest creative director in Channel 4’s history. His drive and attention to detail led him to the director’s chair where his skills as a writer and visual artist combined to create pieces that boast strong narrative elements and a unique, surrealist twist.
“Brett’s work has that ‘It’ factor, something that triggers the pulse and activates the emotions,” said Laura Thoel, managing director of The Sweet Shop Los Angeles. “I have been an admirer of his for years, watching and waiting for the opportunity to work with him.”
“The Sweet Shop is focused on creating a place where directors can thrive creatively,” said Foraker of his decision to sign with the global content company. “I am very open to collaboration in all forms and the environment they have built is the perfect fit for that.”
Paul Prince, The Sweet Shop’s CEO and founding partner, said of Foraker, “I first came across Brett’s work when judging D&AD and was transfixed with the genius of his Channel 4 spots. The craft was impeccable.”
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More